Tours and Tales

In February 2007, Janet Cuthbertson from Suni-Ridge Org. ZA (013-525 NPO) contacted us asking if we’d promote Leopard Walk Lodge in Zululand, KwaZulu Natal. At the end of the e-mail, there were a few paragraphs about how they rehabilated an old pineapple farm and gave it back to nature, forming a wildlife reserve. Among other things, they also mentioned False Bay School, which Janet established in 1992. I was so impressed by their achievements, that I offered to build a pro-bono website for Suni-Ridge.

 What really struck me is that Janet and Rob are extremely passionate about nature and wildlife and they have a deep understanding that in order for them to succeed, they need to work very closely with the local communities surrounding their reserve. Now they are looking to extend their reach, to encourage even more people to work together. They need support from like-minded people who share their vision and want to make a difference.

There are many pineapple farms in the area, and before False Bay School was established, none of the children of the farm workers were able to attend school. After much lobbying, Janet managed to get a primary school established. You can read the full story at http://www.suni-ridge.org.za/false-bay-school.htm.

I was also very inspired to learn about the Young Environmental Ambassador Leadership Course, which is an outreach to teenagers who have been identified as leaders to be able to spread the message about the environment and how to live in a more sustainable manner. Topics include:

• Leadership qualities and humanitariasm (Ubuntu)
• Sustainable land use
• Wise management of resources
• Prevention of air pollution/acid rain
• Water shortages and droughts – wetlands (focus on False Bay World Heritage Site)
• Protection of water quality and use of correct sanitation
• Species fauna and flora - interpretation/protection of biodiversity
• The galaxy
• Environment and culture
• Home food gardens to provide food security
• The effect of all of this ultimately on man’s quality of life on earth

In February/March 2008, we had the good fortune of visiting Janet and Rob Cuthbertson at Leopard Walk Lodge and visited False Bay School. We also visited Mkhasa High School, where the young ambassadors attend school and met with the Principal of the school, Mrs Gumede. It was awe inspiring and a video article will follow soon.

The Cuthbertsons also arranged a guided canoe trip at Muzi Pan with one of the local tour operators, who proves that low impact eco-tourism is a sustainable way of utilizing the land.

 

We hope that you enjoy this video and that you will also discover this unique area and support Leopard Walk Lodge. Authentic people and an authentic experience.

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